After completing this lesson you will understand who had the advantage from a military standpoint, with a deeper understanding rather than just the numbers.  There are many instances throughout history where the numerically smaller numbered force has defeated overwhelming odds to achieve victory.  It is not out of the realm of possibility that the Confederates could have done the same.  During the three days at Gettysburg there were over 50,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing.  The command and structure for both Union and Confederate lie in shambles.  Was the victory for the Union a true victory?  If the Confederate Army was in such shambles why did it take an additional two years for ultimate victory?